LEAD@UCC 2026/2027 offers bite-sized, one-hour online sessions tailored to strengthen leadership capability and consistency across the University.  Designed specifically for managers, leaders, and heads with line management responsibilities, these sessions provide practical insights and shared learning opportunities. Your participation is strongly encouraged to help foster a strong leadership culture at UCC.   

SEPTEMBER 2026 - The Do's & Don'ts of the Duty of Respect & Right To Dignity Policy for Managers

Facilitated by: Reg Friddle, Preferred Future

Date & Time: Thursday 17 September 2026, 10:00 - 11:00

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OCTOBER 2026 - Bridging the Generational Divide (Gen Z colleagues)

This special 90 minute online masterclass will examine how managers can effectively engage, motivate, and manage the distinct workplace preferences and expectations of Gen Z colleagues.  By the end of session, managers & leaders will have:

• Acknowledged the core values and digital fluency that define this generation, and debunked common misconceptions along the way
• Identified Gen Z employees' expectations around development, feedback, and career progression
• Recognised the required shift from a traditional management style to more of a mentor/coach approach

Facilitator: Sandra Lee

Date & Time:  Thursday, 15 October 2026, 10:00 - 11:30

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OCTOBER 2026 - Let's talk about 'Compassionate Leadership'  

Facilitator: Bríd O’Meara

Date & Time:  Wednesday 28 October 2026, 10:00 - 11:00

Relevant Managers Toolkit(s): Leading for Wellbeing 

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NOVEMBER 2026 - Bringing a Coaching Mindset to your Management Style

This session will examine how to use coaching techniques to better support your team’s development, boost engagement, and create a more empowering work environment.

Facilitator: Pat O’Leary, ACE   

Date & Time: Friday 20 November 2026, 10:00 - 11:00

Relevant Managers Toolkit(s): Developing your Staff 

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DECEMBER 2026 - Essential Feedback Skills for Leaders

Invest one hour so that following this session, you will leave have gained:

• Greater confidence in initiating and engaging in everyday feedback conversations
• Practical techniques for giving feedback that is clear, constructive, and motivating
• Strategies for receiving feedback with openness and curiosity—even when it’s hard to hear
• An understanding of how to build individual relationships and a team culture where feedback is welcomed and valued
• Insight into common feedback pitfalls and how to avoid them

Facilitator: Julia Rowan, Performance Matters

Date & Time: Tuesday 1 December 2026, 10:00 - 11:00

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JANUARY 2027 - Effective Communication Skills for Leaders 

This practical session will examine 'Ego States' (Parent, Adult, and Child) and their impact on communication. Balancing these states is crucial for effective interpersonal interactions and essential for healthy communication.

Facilitator: Reg Friddle, Preferred Future

Date & Time: Friday, 15 January 2027, 10:00 - 11:00

Relevant Managers Toolkit(s): Challenging Conversations 

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FEBRUARY 2027 - Let's talk about 'Positive Workplace Relationships'

Facilitator: Bríd O’Meara

Date & Time: Wednesday, 17 February 2027, 10:00 - 11:00

Relevant Managers Toolkit(s): Leading for Wellbeing

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MARCH 2027

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APRIL 2027 -  Inclusive Leadership

This special 90 minute online-masterclass will examine how to build a more inclusive culture within your team.  By the end of the session, managers will have:

• Explored the drivers for change that necessitate a more diverse and inclusive culture
• Recognised how to get the best performance from a range of contributors
• Knowledge of the uniqueness-belonging model
• Focused on the actions we can take to champion a more inclusive workplace impact

Facilitator: Sandra Lee

Date & Time: Wednesday, 7 April 2027, 10:00 - 11:30

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Have you got a suggestion for a LEAD@UCC topic? We would love to hear from you. Email Staff Wellbeing & Development.